"The beautiful, plump centre of the avocado is admired by everyone - but it still has to come out! Here we show you the quickest way to do this without risking injury. Cut into the avocados around the long axis up to the stone. Gently twist the two halves to separate them from each other. Using a large knife, chop into the pit from a very short distance with the lowest, wide part of the blade. This can be gently removed with a quick twist of the knife.

To peel, either use a small knife to cut away strips all round or lift the entire avocado half out of the skin with a large spoon. Finally, you can rub the halves with lemon to prevent them from discolouring."